Bean spread

Bean Zacusca – A Homemade Delicacy for Chilly Winters

Preparation time: 40 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 40 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 10 jars of 400g

Welcome to the delicious world of bean zacusca, a savory dish that brings warmth and comfort every winter. This traditional recipe is not only a culinary delight but also a wonderful way to preserve the taste of summer in jars, ready to delight you whenever you crave a healthy and nourishing snack. Additionally, bean zacusca is an excellent choice for a light meal or appetizer.

Necessary ingredients:
- 1 kg of dried beans
- 1 kg of onions
- 500 g of carrots
- 1 kg of bell peppers
- 2 kg of fresh tomatoes
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 hot peppers (optional)
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 cup of tomato paste
- 1 liter of oil
- 1 small head of garlic
- Salt, to taste

Step by Step – Preparing Bean Zacusca:

1. Preparing the Beans:
Start by cleaning and washing the beans. Place the beans in a large pot with cold water and let them boil for about 30 minutes. This process helps soften the beans and reduces cooking time. After boiling, drain the beans and rinse them with cold water to remove impurities.

2. Boiling the Beans with Aromatics:
Put the beans back on the heat, add the cleaned and quartered onions, as well as the bay leaves. These ingredients will give a special flavor to the dish. Boil the mixture until the beans are well cooked, then remove the bay leaves, drain the beans, and let them cool.

3. Mashing the Beans:
Once the beans have cooled, use an immersion blender to mash them. In the end, you should achieve a smooth paste, but not overly homogenized - texture is important for zacusca.

4. Preparing the Vegetables:
In a cast iron pot, heat the oil and add the onions, carrots, peppers (both bell and hot, if you choose to use them), and crushed garlic. Make sure all the vegetables are cleaned and well washed before using. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables become soft and slightly caramelized.

5. Adding the Tomatoes:
While the vegetables are cooking, wash the fresh tomatoes and pass them through a meat grinder, then use a sieve to remove the seeds. Add the tomatoes to the vegetable mixture along with the tomato paste. Let it boil for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. Combining the Ingredients:
Once the vegetables are cooked and the mixture has reduced, add the mashed beans, thyme, and salt to taste. Mix everything well and let it simmer for a few minutes for the flavors to meld.

7. Baking the Zacusca:
Transfer the zacusca to a baking dish and bake at 180°C for one hour. You will notice that the oil will start to rise to the surface, indicating that the zacusca is nearly ready.

8. Preserving the Zacusca:
Once the zacusca is baked, adjust the taste and fill clean jars with the hot mixture. Screw the lids on tightly and place the jars in a pot with a kitchen towel at the bottom. Boil the jars for 40 minutes from the moment the water starts to boil. After they have cooled, store them in the pantry.

Practical Tips:
- Beans: You can use white or red beans, each with its distinct taste. Make sure the beans are well hydrated before cooking.
- Vegetables: You can experiment with other vegetables, such as zucchini or eggplant, to achieve a zacusca with different textures and flavors.
- Serving: Bean zacusca pairs perfectly with fresh bread, salty cheese, or even a serving of olives. An ideal combination for a savory snack!

Nutritional Benefits:
Bean zacusca is rich in protein, fiber, and vitamins. Beans are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates that provide long-lasting energy. Additionally, the vegetables add a wealth of antioxidants and essential nutrients.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use canned beans?
Yes, you can use canned beans, but it is recommended to rinse them well to remove excess sodium.

2. How can I make the zacusca spicier?
If you like spicy food, add more hot peppers or even a bit of cayenne pepper to the mixture.

3. How long does zacusca last?
Bean zacusca can be stored in the pantry for up to a year, as long as the jars are sealed and processed correctly.

4. Can I freeze the zacusca?
Although not recommended, you can freeze the zacusca, but the texture may undergo slight changes after thawing.

Bean zacusca is not just a dish, but a tradition, a family story that can be shared and enjoyed during special moments. Try this recipe and add a touch of your home's warmth to every jar!

 Ingredients: 1kg beans 1kg onion 500g carrot 1kg bell pepper 2kg tomatoes 2 bay leaves 4 hot peppers (optional) 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 cup of tomato paste 1l of oil 1 small head of garlic salt to taste